Vici.org

Location:

  • Belize, Rockstone Pond
  • geo:17.76395,-88.347061
  • Location ± 0-5 m.

Period or year:

  • 200?~ / 900?~

Class:

  • Temple or sanctuary
  • visible

Identifiers:

  • vici:place=101477

Annotations

The Temple of the Masonry Altars (Structure B-4) is the largest temple at Altun Ha, rising 16 meters high. It was the central focus of elite ritual activity during the Late Classic period (ca. AD 600–900). In 1968, archaeologists discovered the site’s most elaborate tomb inside this structure, nicknamed the Sun God’s Tomb. It contained the remains of a high-status male, buried with over 40 valuable offerings, including jade, pearls, shell, and ceramic objects.

The most remarkable artifact was a large carved jade head, originally believed to depict the Sun God Kinich Ahau. Later interpretations suggest it more likely represents the Jester God, an early Maya symbol of rulership. The jade head, weighing over 4 kg, became an iconic national symbol and features in the logo of Belize’s Belikin beer. The tomb and its contents underscore Altun Ha’s ceremonial and political importance in the region.


Nearby

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This object was added by René Voorburg on 2025-05-25. Last update by René Voorburg on 2025-05-25. Persistent URI: http://vici.org/vici/101477 . Download as RDF/XML, KML.
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